The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Institutions and Healthcare Services has lauded the Kogi State Government for its remarkable strides in revitalizing and repositioning the primary healthcare sector across the state.
The commendation was made on Monday in Lokoja by the Committee Chairman on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, during an oversight functions visit to assess the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Kogi State.
As part of the visit, the committee inspected several newly constructed and upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Hon. Magaji reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening quality healthcare delivery at the grassroots, noting that the BHCPF is a critical initiative designed to expand access to healthcare for all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
The committee chairman applauded the Kogi State Government for introducing a one-year upfront insurance policy for citizens to promote Universal Health Coverage. He further commended the government’s increased budgetary allocation to health but urged an upward review to meet the Abuja Declaration target of 15%.
He also recommended the timely release of funds, strengthening of the healthcare workforce through recruitment of more permanent staff, and sustaining counterpart funding for health programmes to ensure judicious use of the BHCPF.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo Salifu, reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to the health sector. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the people of Kogi State and assured the committee of the state government’s cooperation to achieve shared healthcare goals.
Speaking during the engagement, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adeiza Abdulazeez, disclosed that the state has embarked on comprehensive upgrades of PHCs and approved counterpart funding worth over one billion naira to boost healthcare programmes. He emphasized Governor Ododo’s priority on human resource development, including the recruitment of more healthcare workers, to strengthen service delivery across communities.
“Under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s leadership, healthcare is receiving top priority, with substantial investments directed at primary healthcare to benefit citizens. With the BHCPF and other initiatives, we are taking bold steps toward universal access to quality healthcare,” Dr. Abdulazeez noted.
In his remarks, Dr. Mu’azu Omeiza Musa, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining the gains of the BHCPF and strengthening service delivery at the grassroots. He assured that the agency will continue to prioritize accountability, community participation, and the expansion of quality healthcare services to every ward across the state.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of our health system, and under Governor Ododo’s leadership, we are determined to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to affordable and quality care,” Dr. Mu’azu stated.
The oversight visit featured technical presentations on the three BHCPF Gateways. Dr. Bola Kelvin Emmanuel, Kogi State SWAp Desk Officer, presented on Gateway One (NPHCDA Gateway), highlighting the state’s progress in infrastructure upgrades, essential drug supply, and strengthening service delivery at the PHC level.
The presentations continued with Dr. Adekunle Aledare, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), delivering Gateway Two (Health Insurance), explaining the operational framework of the one-year upfront insurance policy and its role in driving Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Austin Ojotule, State Epidemiologist, presented Gateway Three (NCDC/Public Health Emergency), outlining the state’s preparedness for disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health emergencies under the NCDC-supported gateway.
The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services’ visit to Kogi State highlights the strong federal-state collaboration in healthcare delivery. With renewed commitments from state leadership, technical agencies, and partners, Kogi is emerging as a model for effectively utilizing the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. This collective effort demonstrates the state’s determination to achieve Universal Health Coverage, ensuring quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all citizens.
Facilities visited during the exercise included PHC Ahoko, PHC Felele, PHC Kpata, and the Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), among others, underscoring the state’s determination to strengthen grassroots healthcare and ensure quality, accessible, and affordable services for all citizens.
AWOKESON, RITA .P.
~P.R.O
Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency
